Callaway's Paradym X Hybrid is the larger, more forgiving model in the family and the brand claim that it is going to redefine how golfers approach their long game.
For many of us amateur golfers, these longer approaches into par 4s or tough par 3s can be a real problem area. Finding something reliable that can get you hitting more greens from anywhere between 175-220 yards can really save you shots on the golf course.
Last year I tested Callaway's Rogue ST Max Hybrid and enjoyed the forgiveness levels and easy distance it provided - it was close to going in the bag although I just felt there was a little too much offset for me down by the ball. Could this new option go one further?
The Tech
There are two hybrids available in the Paradym range this year, the standard Paradym, and the Paradym X. This provides slightly more of a larger wood-shaped hybrid, which gives you distance along with more forgiveness and versatility.
Essentially, you're getting all of the same technologies as in the standard head, but with a bigger footprint and a little more offset.
A high-density Tungsten Speed Cartridge pushes the centre of gravity lower and further forward in the head, encouraging lower spin rates and more ball speed for added distance.
The Jailbreak bars behind the face, which have been around for a good few years now, feature new Batwing Technology to increase stiffness in the perimeter of the head, allowing the face to flex more for higher ball speeds.
A high-strength 455 Face Cup is designed with the help of AI to optimise ball speeds as well as improving the consistency (or robustness) of spin across the face. Each model and loft has a unique AI pattern, which enhances performance in that specific head.
New in the hybrids this year is the Cutwave Sole, designed to help you cut through the turf with ease, especially from thicker rough. Callaway have also added a bit more curvature to the leading edge to improve turf interaction.
Finally, an adjustable hosel allows you to optimize both ball flight and launch thanks to the sleeve which allows you to increase the loft by 2 degrees or decrease it by 1 degree.
Callaway Paradym X Hybrid Review
Looks and Feel
If you've read any of our other Paradym metals reviews on Golfalot so far this year, then you'll know that we're big fans of the new look and this continues with the Paradym X Hybrid.
The addition of the navy and gold colourway looks really smart, and whilst there's not quite as much blue carbon on the crown or sole as there is in the drivers, I still love the design.
At address the X model is slightly larger than the standard one, as you'd expect, and it just fills you with so much confidence that you're going to be able to launch the ball well and strike it out of a variety of lies.
I have always been a fan of Callaway's simple alignment aid on the crown and this is no different in the Paradym models. I also think that there's slightly less visible offset in the Paradym hybrids compared to others in the past, which I was a fan of.
The ball feels fast coming off the face, and you hear a pretty loud noise which will be reassuring for many golfers. It is a bit louder than the standard Paradym but I think that this seems to fit the head shape here.
Performance
I tested the Paradym X in a 21 degree 4-Hybrid, which is the same as the standard Paradym so that I could compare the two directly.
In truth, the launch monitor gave me some pretty surprising results with my spin rates and peak height being a little lower than expected with both clubs, both of which seemed more 'normal' once I got on to the golf course.
The Paradym X actually flew lower than the Paradym, whilst the carry distance was a couple of yards less, probably due to the lower launch.
The Spin rates were also low at 2800rpm but were consistent across the ten shots I hit, with just one shot jumping out over 4000rpm which was a low, heely strike.
During my on-course testing I found that the Paradym X performed pretty much exactly as Callaway suggested that it would - it was easy to hit, forgiving and provided good distance levels.
I used it on a number of tee shots and then tested it from both the fairway and the rough on approaches into greens; the main thing that I found whilst hitting was that it was easy to use.
The large head shape lined up really nicely behind the ball and gave plenty of confidence regardless of the lie, meaning that I was still able to get the ball launching out of some thick, wet rough and up by the green from just over 200 yards for my second shot into the par 5 14th.
The fact that there was less offset on this club compared to in previous generations was also reassuring too as it meant that I didn't fear the left shot quite as much, allowing me to swing with a bit more confidence.
Callaway Paradym X Hybrid Verdict
In the past, these 'X' or 'Max' metals have been geared more towards higher handicap golfers who need extra forgiveness and launch with draw-bias help too.
However the latest range of Paradym Hybrids seem to be trying to cast the net a little wider and clubs which could be used by low handicappers and beginners alike.
There are just two models this time around rather than the four of last year's Rogue ST and I think this makes it easier for golfers to choose which one suits them - it probably explains why my numbers were similar with both clubs too.
Overall, the Paradym X is big, friendly and really easy to use. It's a great hybrid.
Would I Use It?
I think I would probably go with the standard Paradym as I just preferred the slightly smaller head shape and the extra workability that it offered. But this is still a great club.
Who Is It Aimed At?
Anyone who struggles with their consistency from the 5 iron upwards. It's a perfect club for mid-handicappers and upwards, but I wouldn't be surprised to see single figure golfers using it either as it will suit a wider range of golfers than you might first expect.
Some people might find that it's a little too bulky in profile, especially if you're making the transition from a long iron but I can see it being perfect for mid-to-high handicappers who just want a little bit more consistency to save themselves shots on those longer holes.
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Callaway Paradym X Driver Review
Callaway Rogue ST Max Hybrid Review